Boil-Water Alert for City of Big Rapids, Ferris State University

UPDATE: As of 4 a.m. (Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018), the city of Big Rapids and Mecosta Emergency
Management have advised that the boil-water notice has been lifted.

As of 7:45 am (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018), the city of Big Rapids has advised that its
boil water advisory includes Ferris State University’s Alumni, Prakken and West buildings,
in addition to University facilities across the river, off Maple Street. Occupants
of those buildings are advised not to use the water fountains for drinking use (i.e.
coffee and other consumption) until further notice. For more information, see: https://bit.ly/2PhUK8I

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.

Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using,
or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making
ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling
kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

What happened? What is being done?

These precautionary actions are being taken due to the loss of water pressure in the
low water distribution system. Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant
length of time, precautionary measures are recommended.

The city of Big Rapids distribution system is working to get pressure restored, and
water staff will be taking other remedial actions such as flushing and collecting
bacteriological samples from around the system. The samples will be collected to determine
that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards. We will inform the
public when tests show no bacteria, and you no longer need to boil your water. The
problem is anticipated to be resolved within 48 hours.

This boil water notice shall remain in effect until results from the sampling verify
the water is safe to drink. Citizens will be advised when the boil water advisory
has been lifted.

For more information, please contact Heather Bowman, Public Works Director at (231)
592-4018 or the city of Big Rapids, 226 N Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, Ml 49307. General
guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from
the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.